Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO) has announced its intent to provide up to $58 million in funding through the Accelerating Scale-up and Pre-piloting of Emerging Chemical Technologies (ASPECT) program. This initiative aims to advance novel chemical technologies that utilize alternative and waste feedstocks, moving technologies beyond proof-of-concept to bench and pre-pilot scales.
This funding opportunity supports efforts under President Trump’s Executive Order Unleashing American Energy to strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and accelerate U.S. technology innovation. The chemical sector is critical, with more than 96% of manufactured goods relying on U.S. chemical products, employing over half a million Americans.
ASPECT focuses on two main areas: Bench ASPECT, which supports development and adoption of new chemical production technologies at the bench and pre-pilot levels; and Pre-pilot ASPECT, which aims to accelerate the development and market introduction of strategically valuable chemicals produced in the U.S.
After the funding notice announcement, AFFO will host an informational webinar outlining the application process, eligibility criteria, and partnership opportunities. Further information, including a Teaming Partner List, will be available on DOE eXCHANGE.